Fixed Functional Appliances In Orthodontics

Fixed Functional Appliances In Orthodontics

• Activator, twin block, bionator, Frankel are all removable functional appliances.
• Activator is a loose fitting appliance and activates the muscles. It harnesses the muscle force.
• Twin blocks correct the maxillomandibular relationship through functional displacement. Twin blocks are two separate pieces of appliance, i.e. they are simple bite blocks which modify the occlusal inclined plane effiently. Twin blocks produce rapid functional correction of malocclusion by guiding mandible forward in the correct position.

“Understanding the role of fixed functional appliances in orthodontic treatment”

Herbst Appliance Orthodontics

• Bionator is an activator derived device. It less bulky and is elastic as compared to activator. Bionator modulates the muscle activity which enhances the normal development. The appliance consists of an acrylic component and wire component.
• Frankel appliance is confined to oral vestibule. Buccal and lip shields prevent the aberrant muscular force from acting on teeth.

• Fixed functional appliances were introduced by Emil Herbst.
• Fixed functional appliances are known as non-compliance Class 2 correctors.

• These are intermaxillary torsion coils or fixed springs.
• Elasticity and flexibility are the main features of this group.
• These appliances lead to the greater movement of the mandible.
• Lateral movements can also be made

“Common challenges in using fixed functional appliances effectively”

Orthodontic treatment with fixed functional appliances

• These appliances are indicated in Class II Div 1 malocclusion, Class II Div 2 malocclusion, in Class III malocclusion.
• Examples are Jasper Jumper, Amoric torsion coil, Klapper super spring, Bite fixer, etc.

• These appliances do not allow patient to close in the centric relation.
• These appliances provide 24 hours stimulus for mandibular growth.
• These appliances do not fracture easily.

Fixed orthodontic appliances

• Examples are herbst appliance, Cantilever bite jumper, Biopedic appliance, Ritto appliance, etc.